Ghana must say no to EPAs – Christian Council of Ghana

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BBC NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!! 10 years ago

Who t is begging nana binladdo to come and rule Ghana at all? This is unbelievable, why this evil creature is tormenting mother Ghana in this way? And Everybody seat down unconcerned? Isn't this guy who has the biggest positi ...
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Who t is begging nana binladdo to come and rule Ghana at all? This is unbelievable, why this evil creature is tormenting mother Ghana in this way? And Everybody seat down unconcerned? Isn't this guy who has the biggest position in theif dewuo kufour regime? Didn't he has the most chance to implement whatever he has in his ugly coconut head? Why all these? Today i'm going to ask GOD these, tomorrow i'm going to consult GOD that, why?. Ghanaians deserved better then this thing called nana binladdo, let me tell nana in plain words that the 8 regions out of 10 is not ready today and tomorrow or future to bring the "we akan's npp party " to rule Ghana again, they haven't decided on that yet, for Ghanaians are comfortable now under President John Mahama now than theif kufour who redistributed the nations wealth to his akan people, which they deliberately refused to pay back to mother Ghana.
insight to the bone 10 years ago

Yea though we walk through the valley of pepeni death we shall fear no ayigbe evil for the Lord stands by the children of Akan and Israel always . We shall forever remain blessed and despite the trials and tribulations served ...
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Yea though we walk through the valley of pepeni death we shall fear no ayigbe evil for the Lord stands by the children of Akan and Israel always . We shall forever remain blessed and despite the trials and tribulations served to us by this aboaba kwasea pepeni and murderous intent of the ayigbe we shall triumph. No matter what they do victory shall be ours for God has most certainly made them blind so they lack any wisdom and see no solutions . These pagan ungodly souls have lied and stolen from us on a daily basis but their days are surely numbered . Somebody quickly remind them i am still waiting in vain to be arrested or see the effects of their juju which they promised because we told our people to prepare for revolution and war . Today its clear the pepeni have armed themselves so we also begin to arm ourselves against these criminals, if you can not buy a licensed gun then make sure you sharpen your cutlasses well and keep them well polished and oiled . pepeni has appointed his incompetent criminal friends , family and tribesmen into various positions of state , little do they know that its not about building empty meaningless careers but they should know its a duty to serve the interests of the people and seek the well-being prosperity of all citizens regardless of stature , religious affiliation , ethnic background , age or gender . They plan and scheme to steal our oil and any wealth we are able to create. they work to systematically destroy even the basic family unit by try to thrush down our throats perverse gay homosexual values as being the ideal .They do not see the beauty of the unity in diversity of the various tribes of Akan rather they encourage and facilitate conflict amongst ourselves but it will not work as our people are now more sophisticated than that as no one is blind to their divide and rule tactics except the few idiots who think they build a political career in the oligarchy which has now crossed over into all parties . Be strong and vigilant oh children of Akan as our day draws nigh . long live the republic of Akan
Close Observer 10 years ago

Thief, do you think if you tag your countrymen as terrorist, you will be exempted from that tag? You travel and the western world will see you too as a terrorist, because you claimed Ghanaians have that culture. The STUPID th ...
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Thief, do you think if you tag your countrymen as terrorist, you will be exempted from that tag? You travel and the western world will see you too as a terrorist, because you claimed Ghanaians have that culture. The STUPID things you say to remain in power, will stigmatize all of us, including you. FOOL! Amasa Namoale Thief. Your personal interest in politics is not everyone's interest if you care to know. If another person in politics poses a threat to your present position, it is up to YOU and your GOVERNMENT to work hard and improve on the LIVING CONDITION of GHANAIANS, and not to resort to this SENSELESS INSULTS. Fellow Ghanaians, BBC NEWS!!! here, is also known as AMASA NAMOALE, a PARLIAMENTARIAN. He spends most of the time he should use in performing his PARLIAMENTARY DUTIES to PROMOTE HATRED and TRIBAL POLITICS. He does not deserve to be in PARLIAMENT. Amasa JULOR k3 MANJWALOR.
Close Observer 10 years ago

The GUY from the OTHER TRIBE is NOT YOUR ENEMY; he is also a GHANAIAN. Some BAD POLITICIANS would want you to believe otherwise. DON'T VOTE for such POLITICIANS. We have attended the SAME SCHOOL, worshiped in the SAME CHURCH ...
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The GUY from the OTHER TRIBE is NOT YOUR ENEMY; he is also a GHANAIAN. Some BAD POLITICIANS would want you to believe otherwise. DON'T VOTE for such POLITICIANS. We have attended the SAME SCHOOL, worshiped in the SAME CHURCH and even INTER-MARRIED; why would we let some BAD POLITICIANS SOW A SEED OF HATRED among us? It is only in their interest that we fight among ourselves, NOT in our interest. REJECT 'WE AND THEM POLITICS'. RESPECT and EMBRACE EVERY TRIBE. We are STRONGER by so doing. REMEMBER, 'WE ARE ALL INVOLVE IN BUILDING OUR MOTHERLAND. God bless every GHANAIAN, and LONG LIVE GHANA.
Tankase 10 years ago

..have all signed EPAs. In Africa Mauritius the most successful country has signed an EPA with the EU.

So what is so scary about the EPA that Malaysia and others like Mauritius would sign that West Africans think they are ...
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..have all signed EPAs. In Africa Mauritius the most successful country has signed an EPA with the EU.

So what is so scary about the EPA that Malaysia and others like Mauritius would sign that West Africans think they are smarter than these ones above so they wouldn't sign.

And would you still be going to Europe cup in hand for handouts instead of trading yourself out of poverty?
Kay 10 years ago

Can you compare West African countries to any of these countries read my friend.Their production line is stronger than that of Ghana or Nigeria.Don't under estimate the trickery of Europeans.

Can you compare West African countries to any of these countries read my friend.Their production line is stronger than that of Ghana or Nigeria.Don't under estimate the trickery of Europeans.
Tankase 10 years ago

Didn't we achieve independence before Malaysia. In 1960 didn't Ghana have a higher GDP than Malaysia. So where did we go wrong for their production line to become stronger than ours.

Because they have been signing EPAs wit ...
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Didn't we achieve independence before Malaysia. In 1960 didn't Ghana have a higher GDP than Malaysia. So where did we go wrong for their production line to become stronger than ours.

Because they have been signing EPAs with strong countries and learning how to play the game and become experts in it. Years ago the West cheated them but now they know all the loop holes and are playing it the way it should be played.

Its like Ghana and other West Africans being invited to play the English Premier League but they refuse because they think the teams in the Premier League are too strong so we would rather choose to play in the Vauxhall Conference to compete with the minions like Burkina Faso.

No wonder Malaysia and the Chile would continue to outdo us whilst we pass around the Calabash aksing for "salaka" from the West because we refused to take advantage of opportunities when we see it. We prefer to be beggars for life!
readi 2 dye 10 years ago

Mugabe is still alive....don't never trust an aliens...all these countries u mentions didn't have dumb leadership like we do now. Mahama,iddrisu, ayagari, Hannah tetteh,okukusekuzeto,kweetey, tweaa DCE,ALL Needs to be shot... ...
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Mugabe is still alive....don't never trust an aliens...all these countries u mentions didn't have dumb leadership like we do now. Mahama,iddrisu, ayagari, Hannah tetteh,okukusekuzeto,kweetey, tweaa DCE,ALL Needs to be shot....
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago

After 10 years of tough negotiations, on 24th January 2014, West African and European Commission (EC) negotiators reached a major breakthrough on what now will be the first regional economic partnership agreement (EPA) since ...
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After 10 years of tough negotiations, on 24th January 2014, West African and European Commission (EC) negotiators reached a major breakthrough on what now will be the first regional economic partnership agreement (EPA) since 2007.

This is no small achievement. Given the disparity of situations among West African countries, some needing an EPA to preserve their preferential market access to the EU, (Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana), while others were not dependent on it. Failure to reach a regional agreement with the EU would have strained, and potentially threatened to disrupt, the integration process of West Africa. It is significant given the divergence of views between Europe and ECOWAS. By putting their differences in perspective and focusing on the ultimate goals, the parties have shown the necessary flexibility to reach a politically, as well as economically, important agreement.

WHAT’S IN IT?

Compromise has been reached by both parties on a number of thorny issues that had blocked previous rounds of negotiations. For the first time in over 10 years, the EC has agreed on a flexible interpretation of the threshold required to liberalise substantially all trade, in order to be compatible with the rules of the WTO. Recognizing the special characteristics of West Africa, a deal was struck at 75% of trade to be liberalised over the next 20 years, rather the EU request for 80% over 15 years. Such flexible and pragmatic approach has played a key role in unlocking the negotiations. The EC further agreed to stop all export subsidies to West

AFRICAN COUNTRIES.

West Africa also had to compromise to reach an agreement, notably by accepting the controversial Most Favoured Nation Treatment clause (though the clause contains some exceptions). The non-execution clause has not been included, but a reference was made to the principle of the Cotonou Agreement according to which any party could be suspended from the Agreement in case of breaches to human rights, democratic principles and rule of law.
Regarding the financing of development, the amount agreed under the EPA Development Programme (PAPED) remains at 6.5 billion euros for the period 2015-19, and there is no explicit commitment to provide “additional resources”. This was to be expected, given the financial situation of most European countries and the constraints on their development budgets. This is falls 8.5 million euros short of the West African estimates. The EU (Commission, member states and financial institutions) best endeavour commitment to seek solutions to finance the gaps are the only additional comfort West African have been able to obtain.

WHAT NOW?

It seems that both the EU and West Africa (Nigeria and Senegal included) can finally go home and claim victory. Countries with the biggest interests (Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana) have been able to maintain their market access to the EU while preserving regional unity and coherence with the current regional integration agenda. Good for West Africa. The European Commission has been able to reach a new EPA deal, at last, which vindicates some of its instance on the merits of an agreement. Its flexibility on market access, a key aspect of the ECOWAS-EU EPA, has also proved vital. More importantly, by concluding a deal, the EU and ECOWAS have avoided a serious political and economic fallout which would have inevitably followed from a collapse of the talks.

WHAT’S THE WAY FORWARD?

The agreement reached by the senior officials will have to be officially sealed, apparently in a meeting end of March or beginning of April in Brussels by the Chief negotiators, to be endorsed at the ECOWAS Head of States Summit end of February. What it means for the rest of Africa remains uncertain, though. African Union Heads of States gathering in Addis Ababa to discuss continental priorities prior to their trip to Brussels. As it sets out to refine the contours of its Agenda 2063, in which economic development is the central pillar, the African Union will have to add to its long list of challenges innovative ways of coming to grips with the diversity of regional initiatives and their consistency with the continental agenda. EPAs are also on their agenda, as they are expected to give a signal of African Unity as the joint Africa-EU Summit looms in the horizon.

The coherence of regional integration at the pan-African level, and among regions, remains an issue. To which extend issues agreed in West Africa could have a positive impact on other regions remains to be seen. Will the EU exhibit additional flexibility towards other regions as well, and if so, in which areas? Can a deal be reached in other regions? One would hope so, and the ECOWAS-EU EPA is a positive signal. But this will continue to require flexible approaches by all parties, and a continued political commitment at the highest level to overcome differences. The Africa-EU Summit should also offer such an opportunity.
Sankofa 10 years ago

Such rubbish all-round!

Is African unity being subjected to negotiation with Europe? Have we forgotten so soon how Europe has raped our continent for upwards of 200 years, and continues to steal our resources?

There is ...
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Such rubbish all-round!

Is African unity being subjected to negotiation with Europe? Have we forgotten so soon how Europe has raped our continent for upwards of 200 years, and continues to steal our resources?

There is nothing wrong with trading, but we must trade on our own terms, not on European terms, for goodness, gracious sake!

Europe took away our dignity as Africans, our freedom, our resources, our people as slaves and abused our women.

When are we Africans ever going to learn to stand up for ourselves? When are we going to say to the Caucasians, thus far and no further?

The EPA is meant to lock us into the stranglehold of Europe for another generation. For goodness sake, what right do our leaders have to sign away the future of our children? This is the Bond of 1844 revisited.

Europe has prepared this agreement. All African countries have done is to modify bits of it. How can this be right?

Our leaders must act decisively and cancel this agreement now!
Aduanaba 10 years ago

Would u keep going to China and import cheap products and foods which still sell dear locally cos of taxes?

Or will u have the EU bring in high standard products and foods for nearly the same prices as the China products/f ...
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Would u keep going to China and import cheap products and foods which still sell dear locally cos of taxes?

Or will u have the EU bring in high standard products and foods for nearly the same prices as the China products/foods?

Note that none of the above scenarios is friendly to the local producer: in fact China is the winner in the current situation.

One thing is clear - the second scenario presents the only way the EU can sell its superior products profitably to Africa cos of higher costs of production as compared to China.

Our local producers are already stitched.

Now the big question is - do we go with Europe or China, and who is more likely to help change the situation to a win-lose one to a win-win one?
Tankase 10 years ago

I would prefer to go with the EU than China. The Germans (CP) built the highway from Cape-Coats to Takoradi over 30yrs ago, and it still looks like brandnew. Let the Chinese build you a road. It would not last for more than 2 ...
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I would prefer to go with the EU than China. The Germans (CP) built the highway from Cape-Coats to Takoradi over 30yrs ago, and it still looks like brandnew. Let the Chinese build you a road. It would not last for more than 2yrs and you would still be paying for that road 30yrs later.

Look at all the Long-Vehicle haulage trucks on our roads. MAN, LEYLAND, VOLVO. Some of these vehicles are now being used by the 2nd generation of some families to earn a living. Try buying Chinese Ching-Ghu Haulage Truck and see if it lasts for 5yrs.

Furthermore, how many Ghanaians/Africans are working in Chinese factories. But in UK, France, Holland, Belgium Germany, there are millions of Africans working who would still repatriate their money to Africa if their companies trade with Africa. So why must I give preference to China.
sam 10 years ago

why should an European or Chinese build you road in the first place. It is amazing that 50+ years after so called independence we still have people like you.

why should an European or Chinese build you road in the first place. It is amazing that 50+ years after so called independence we still have people like you.
Aduanaba 10 years ago

I think heading EU s way is wiser

I think heading EU s way is wiser
Kweku 10 years ago

Tankase, do these countries you mentioned have the same macroeconomic indicators, social status, natural resources, etc? We cannot do something just because some people you claim to be better than us have done same. It could ...
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Tankase, do these countries you mentioned have the same macroeconomic indicators, social status, natural resources, etc? We cannot do something just because some people you claim to be better than us have done same. It could be good for them today but not for us at the prevailing economic conditions according to the experts suggestion.

The EU with this EPA strategically is about boosting competition with China who has now a major market area in Africa.

I think Ghana's current economic condition could be improved by putting structures in place that must encourage and grow the local financial market, technology and in the long run develop a sustained human capital resource. Without proper economic structures even direct foreign investments would be stifled.

If our consumption is met by foreign producers, then the implication is that local resources are not mobilised to handle local demand. So the focus of government policy must be addressing issues why local demand cannot be locally supplied? How does this EPA resolve this local problem? The EU would do just as China is currently doing, about flooding our local markets with EU goods at lower taxes so that EU producers leverage over China.

I know the local financial market ranging from the investment chain of financiers, risk takers and payment system can be improved in addition to technology and skilled manpower to address the local issues. The solution is with us and not useless and cheater partnerships with the West.
Tankase 10 years ago

Meanwhile Nigeria Has Oil to Live On whilst Ghana still has to export pineapples, mangoes and cocoa to finance the Single Spine that is broken.

Nigeria can choose to sit on its arse and not work and the oil would still tak ...
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Meanwhile Nigeria Has Oil to Live On whilst Ghana still has to export pineapples, mangoes and cocoa to finance the Single Spine that is broken.

Nigeria can choose to sit on its arse and not work and the oil would still take care of them.

Ghana should keep on following that Panyin Toto called Nigeria and see where you end up. Even the small Gas that Nigeria should give you to run your Power station, they are refusing and yet you are stupididly allowing them to determine your economic and trade policy.

Good luck following Nigeria!
Joe 10 years ago

ghana's per capita income is more than nigeria so dont get the economics confused. nigeria is richer but has more mouths to feed so they are no where. The problem with these deals are the details. Although they are all termed ...
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ghana's per capita income is more than nigeria so dont get the economics confused. nigeria is richer but has more mouths to feed so they are no where. The problem with these deals are the details. Although they are all termed EPA , If you compare the details of the agreement is not the same as those signed with malasia and the rest so dont get too excited. White man doesnt regard Africans that high so they try to throw crums to us all the time. How can you give 5billion to the whole of Africa whiles small european single countries get over 10 billion when they seek financial assistance?? wHAT A JOKE. When ever a white Man comes knocking desprately on the doors of the same people he regards lower than him, you should know he is desprate for something. The answer is NO EPA. We dont need it. When our local industries get strong enough to compete, we will open our door. Look at china, they closed their doors for 30 yrs and today look at where they are
Tankase 10 years ago

How can you give 5billion to the whole of Africa whiles small european single countries get over 10 billion when they seek financial assistance??

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Do Europeans owe you a living to give you Aid. I ...
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How can you give 5billion to the whole of Africa whiles small european single countries get over 10 billion when they seek financial assistance??

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Do Europeans owe you a living to give you Aid. Is that why you do not want to sign because you want to continue to be a beggar for life. In Twi such a person is called "Opanhyin Toto".

Africans should even be ashamed that that are still asking to be spoon-fed by Europeans.

Malaysians do not depend on any Aid from the EU. They have learnt to add value to their cocoa and palm-oil to create jobs and sell these products to Europoeans for profit. They earn over $1b per year from refined Palm-Oil and here West Africans population of over 200m yet asking for handouts otherwise you would not go out to work for your livng. Will our-selfhate and destructive mentality which keeps us in poverty ever change?
Victor 10 years ago

obviously you are not well read. IMF is not for Europeans if you must know. Everyone borrows from them even the so called developed countries so don't come to me with such foolishness if you do not understand how the system w ...
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obviously you are not well read. IMF is not for Europeans if you must know. Everyone borrows from them even the so called developed countries so don't come to me with such foolishness if you do not understand how the system works...Having bilateral or unilateral agreements such as signing up to EPA being an example. Mind you everyone borrows even America...the GDP Of the whole Africa combined 56 countries is not even upto 1trillion whiles small france, Germany or even Russia are all in the 3 trillions so don't go beating your chest as is we are so rich we don't need to borrow...
Sethoo 10 years ago

West African leaders shd be sent to Russia for tuition from Vladmir Putin on EU trickery.He will open their eyes wider on how to catch EU thieves hahahaaa.PUTIN CHAMPION PRESIDENT

West African leaders shd be sent to Russia for tuition from Vladmir Putin on EU trickery.He will open their eyes wider on how to catch EU thieves hahahaaa.PUTIN CHAMPION PRESIDENT
John Declerk 10 years ago

The Christian Council is now gradually replacing the GBA

The Christian Council is now gradually replacing the GBA
Tankase 10 years ago

Yes, because the EPA is a threat to the collection bowl and tithes. Once people have jobs they wouldn't have time to go to church, pay tithes and be conned by these Pastors.

Yes, because the EPA is a threat to the collection bowl and tithes. Once people have jobs they wouldn't have time to go to church, pay tithes and be conned by these Pastors.
Shoot rawlings 10 years ago

Nonsense

Nonsense
Samson 10 years ago

I think the government has to publish the whole of the EPA for all of us to read what the agreement is all about. We are being told by those who oppose it a few things about why they do not like it, but no one is telling us t ...
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I think the government has to publish the whole of the EPA for all of us to read what the agreement is all about. We are being told by those who oppose it a few things about why they do not like it, but no one is telling us the other side of the coin. Are there no benefits at all to the countries who will sign this agreement? Surely it cant be just a one sided thing only to the benefit of the EU to dump their goods at cheap prices on us. We need to know what is in it for us. For example are our agricultural produce exporters going to benefit by exporting their pineapples, shea nuts etc duty free as well? What about our craft goods and textiles? WE need to know so that we can make better decisions.
Tankase 10 years ago

The bottom line is that the EU is asking West African governments to remove import taxes in industrial equipments and certain industrioal products.

I return West Africa would get free access to its markets for all its pro ...
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The bottom line is that the EU is asking West African governments to remove import taxes in industrial equipments and certain industrioal products.

I return West Africa would get free access to its markets for all its products.

West African Govts are refusing to remove these taxes because they claim that is where they earn their revenues. Somebody should tell me. Which West African Govt has made use of the revenues it collects. The money goes into supporting the wasteful lifestyle of govt appointees and corruption.

So why don't you remove these taxes so that factors of production can be cheaper and the private sector would be more competitive and help create jobs.

As its is the EU is saying if you refuse to give me access to your markets then I also would shut out your products and come Oct 2014 I would increase tariffs on your pineapples and mangoes.

The question that needs to be asked is why has Mauritius signed the EPA with the EU. Because it means business. It wants to trade rather than beg anyone for its living. That is why Mauritius is so successful to the extend that its citizens do not need a visa to enter the EU or UK becaase their jobs back home pays almost the same as in Europe so there is no need to migrate.

Africans want someone to blame for their woes for the next 30yrs when they can change their fortune. See how the dollar is falling because we arte not producing. We prefer to beg rather than to work ourselves out of poverty!
MARCUS AMPADU 10 years ago

Europe is more or less unified, unfortunately we are far from any semblance of unity.
This is why the Osagyefo called for African Unity.

Europe is more or less unified, unfortunately we are far from any semblance of unity.
This is why the Osagyefo called for African Unity.
Kojo 10 years ago

You are deluding yourself if you think that the EPA is in the interest of Ghana. Trade is meant to be fair. The EU flooding our markets with their heavily subsidised goods will bankrupt most local industries and cause massive ...
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You are deluding yourself if you think that the EPA is in the interest of Ghana. Trade is meant to be fair. The EU flooding our markets with their heavily subsidised goods will bankrupt most local industries and cause massive unemployment and poverty.
The Carribean countries who are the only part of the world to sign the EPA on offer to West Africa have regretted signing it and are asking for reparations for slavery as we speak.
Efo Kobla 10 years ago

Our Foreign Minister said she will agree with whatever Ecowas chooses. She has no sense of her own, only follow the crowd. Sorry for Ghana.

Our Foreign Minister said she will agree with whatever Ecowas chooses. She has no sense of her own, only follow the crowd. Sorry for Ghana.
MARCUS AMPADU 10 years ago

It is a great pity that our learned pastor and Dr. chose to be disingenuous and grossly myopic on this EPA issue. Yes, "victory is won through many advisers" but the technical advice from Nigeria don't constitute the whole tr ...
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It is a great pity that our learned pastor and Dr. chose to be disingenuous and grossly myopic on this EPA issue. Yes, "victory is won through many advisers" but the technical advice from Nigeria don't constitute the whole truth about what needs to be done. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong failed to divulge the technical concerns raised by Nigeria. As far as I can tell, Nigeria is not interested in unifying the subregion. Or bettering the lot of Nigerian farmers.

Furthermore, the learned cleric chose to focus only on what the EU is doing or not doing to African agricultural productivity, and not on what a more unified West Africans can do themselves. Nothing was said about our farmers adding value to their natural resources, or for ECOWAS governments to make money from CDM's. (money given by UNFCCC for meeting the quotas set for reducing GHG's by the Kyoto Protocol.)

The whole purpose of Dr. Opuni-Frimpong's article, in my opinion, is to scare gullible Ghanaians. The focus should be on a more united ECOWAS, and not on EPA.
Kwame Joe 10 years ago

All the West African governments are afraid to integrate. We should call for a referendum of all the nations and its islands in the subregion.

All the West African governments are afraid to integrate. We should call for a referendum of all the nations and its islands in the subregion.
Obenfo 10 years ago

Marcus, there is nothing more noble and valuable than a reliable partnership, but the question should be partnership with whom? Please, never make the mistake of thinking that Europeans will put all their cards on the table w ...
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Marcus, there is nothing more noble and valuable than a reliable partnership, but the question should be partnership with whom? Please, never make the mistake of thinking that Europeans will put all their cards on the table when negotiating with Africans.

I have been a great proponent of AU and ECOWAS for many years, but after a careful consideration, I have change my mind; why, because it is a dangerous proposition. Such unity calls for patriotism and enlightened leadership.

Africa doesn't lack deep thinking people but such people don't make it to the top to structure the affairs of the Continent. And, enthrusting such a huge power in the hands of a recklessly irresponsible leadership may result in Africa's doom for Centuries. And I don't think we are ready for another round of slavery.
MARCUS AMPADU 10 years ago

What have we as a people done to further unity amongst ourselves? We have not succeeded in creating a more integrated ECOWAS; while Europe has succeeded in creating the EU, and now they have formed partnership to take advanta ...
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What have we as a people done to further unity amongst ourselves? We have not succeeded in creating a more integrated ECOWAS; while Europe has succeeded in creating the EU, and now they have formed partnership to take advantage of our weak, individually disorganized, so-called nation-states, forgetting the aphorism that "in unity lies strength".
Obenfo 10 years ago

First EU is not a success, but I will explain that latter when necessary. Besides, we don't have to blindly imitate EU. These are people who are more organized than West Africa.

How many family-related or alumni partners ...
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First EU is not a success, but I will explain that latter when necessary. Besides, we don't have to blindly imitate EU. These are people who are more organized than West Africa.

How many family-related or alumni partnership businesses do we have in Ghana? If such basic or fundamental partneships are not functioning well, how do you expect it to work overnight at the higher level. Such unpreparedness, or moving ahead of ourselves could end us with unneccessary breaches of agreements and judgement debts.

EU is a failure. Thus, the weaker nations in the Union such as Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain are suffering while the stronger nations like Germany and France are benefiting. This, however is a deeper topic beyond this forum. EU is finding it very difficult to harmoniously maintain different fiscal policies in a common monetary policy.
Sankofa 10 years ago

Marcus, are you saying that African countries should sign the EPA?

What are your reasons?

Marcus, are you saying that African countries should sign the EPA?

What are your reasons?
MARCUS AMPADU 10 years ago

Sankofa, all that I'm saying is that if we succeed in unifying, we can take advantage of economies of scale which would put us in a better position in our transactions with the bigger markets of Europe, US, China, the Russian ...
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Sankofa, all that I'm saying is that if we succeed in unifying, we can take advantage of economies of scale which would put us in a better position in our transactions with the bigger markets of Europe, US, China, the Russian federation, and Brazil. As it stands now, Ghana or Nigeria or Côte d'Ivoire can't deal with the terms of EPA working alone by themselves.
Analyst 10 years ago

I don't think the Christian Council and other entities opposed to the EPA are saying that West Africa (or Africa) should not have any trade partnership with Europe.
Indeed trade partnership with Europe has mutual benefits f ...
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I don't think the Christian Council and other entities opposed to the EPA are saying that West Africa (or Africa) should not have any trade partnership with Europe.
Indeed trade partnership with Europe has mutual benefits for both Europe and Africa. If there is any term in the EPA that is not favourable, the right thing to do is to renegotiate it to our mutual benefits. We have always been crying that what Africa needs is not aid but trade. It will therefore be hypocritical for us to be running away from a trading agreement with Europe.
It is a fact that African countries do more trading with Europe than among ourselves. Having a trading agreement with Europe is therefore necessary to expand our economies and improve our balance of trade.
MARCUS AMPADU 10 years ago

Well argued!

Well argued!
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago

Under the agreement the EC or EU further agreed to stop all export subsidies to West Africa. Especially, their agriculture proceeds.

Under the agreement the EC or EU further agreed to stop all export subsidies to West Africa. Especially, their agriculture proceeds.
MARCUS AMPADU 10 years ago

That is why I have called for a more unified market for ECOWAS agricultural products, to take advantage of economies of scale.
A trans-ECOWAS railways will just do that. We should approach the Chinese to help us construct th ...
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That is why I have called for a more unified market for ECOWAS agricultural products, to take advantage of economies of scale.
A trans-ECOWAS railways will just do that. We should approach the Chinese to help us construct the rail lines.
sam 10 years ago

RUBBISH- DO YOU THING THIS EPA WILL END YOUR BEGGING?

RUBBISH- DO YOU THING THIS EPA WILL END YOUR BEGGING?
Bajanese 10 years ago

with the rich and powerful?

It always leads to slavery. We are not yet prepared to have that kind of partnership with europe because we have had bad experiences in the past with similar so called fair and benevolent agreem ...
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with the rich and powerful?

It always leads to slavery. We are not yet prepared to have that kind of partnership with europe because we have had bad experiences in the past with similar so called fair and benevolent agreements but where did it land us? Your guess is as good as mine. Its crucially about time to stand on our own feet and call the shots but hey! Am I dreaming?
Sankofa 10 years ago

Analyst, do your analysis properly.

Any negotiation must be on our terms, not to satisfy Europe. How can we allow imports from Europe free entry into our countries when our economies are so fragile? How can we afford to lo ...
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Analyst, do your analysis properly.

Any negotiation must be on our terms, not to satisfy Europe. How can we allow imports from Europe free entry into our countries when our economies are so fragile? How can we afford to lose the little revenue we are earning from import duties? How can we protect our farmers and fledgling industries?

At present, Ghanaian markets are flooded with cheap foreign imports to the detriment of local produce. Europe has persistently refused to remove subsidies to its farmers so as to allow us export more agric produce to the EEC. Why should we then open up our markets to Europe?

Let us cancel the EPA. Europe will still hanker after our resources and produce to feed its industries, and cannot afford to look elsewhere.

The EPA is a bogus agreement designed to swindle us. We must reject it now!
Akomadan Adjei Nkansah Belgium 10 years ago

MAHAMA WILL NOT LISTEN,NOLY CHOP CHOP,WOMANZER,VISIONLESS

MAHAMA WILL NOT LISTEN,NOLY CHOP CHOP,WOMANZER,VISIONLESS
Osei Yao 10 years ago

THE WORST IMPORT FROM EUROPE IS THE CHRISTIAN IDIOLOGY, ETHOS AND TRADITIONS. PRAYING FOR BREAD EVERYDAY HAS MADE GHANAIANS BEGGARS AND ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT OUR STOMACH. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE STOMACH-POLITICIANS, STOMSCH-PASTO ...
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THE WORST IMPORT FROM EUROPE IS THE CHRISTIAN IDIOLOGY, ETHOS AND TRADITIONS. PRAYING FOR BREAD EVERYDAY HAS MADE GHANAIANS BEGGARS AND ALWAYS THINKING ABOUT OUR STOMACH. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE STOMACH-POLITICIANS, STOMSCH-PASTORS, STOMSCK-SECURITY PRESONNEL ETC.
Sefah-Amanquah 10 years ago

I wish the christian council can and argue their case with any economic issues and substance to back their no to EPAs signiture.How can small country like Ghana be barred from a big market of EU when the commonwealth is almos ...
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I wish the christian council can and argue their case with any economic issues and substance to back their no to EPAs signiture.How can small country like Ghana be barred from a big market of EU when the commonwealth is almost disappeared and even Britain is a part of EU.our late Dr Kwame Nkrumah started African Union well before EU but failed because of those wicked opposition party such as NPP.Please you revenues,pasters and your new prophets have no economicideas to back your claim then plrase let the intellectuals with economic ideas to argue for the signing without isolating whan in the rapidly changing world globally and stop your so called balical expploitation of the poor and underprevilages in our society.These new churches are so corrupt even than the politicians the always accuse by allowing people like Kufuor to stand in the churchto accuse the present administration while he sold the Ghana Airways and Ghana telecommunications and shared the money among themseves without any shame and impunity.Now without any competition by Ghana Airways Ghanaians have to pay for £800 and over to fly home for six hours of flight to Ghana losing our pilots flight Engineers stewards etc. as well as brian Drain by documentation scolars lawyers who cannot even express themselves at debates.
Whatever 10 years ago

The corporate despair that EPA will bring. Only God knows what will happen to Government officials if people react. This whole EPA has chaos written all over it

The corporate despair that EPA will bring. Only God knows what will happen to Government officials if people react. This whole EPA has chaos written all over it
Nii Joromi 10 years ago

Thank you Nigeria! As corrupt and greedy as your leaders are, some still have some common sense. As for our Ghanaian politicians...tweaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Thank you Nigeria! As corrupt and greedy as your leaders are, some still have some common sense. As for our Ghanaian politicians...tweaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Kwawu Agbemenu 10 years ago

Thanks to the X'tian Council of Ghana! The public needs to be educated on the impact of imports on the national economy. It's amazing labour union leaders haven't recognized they SHOULD educate their members on the need to p ...
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Thanks to the X'tian Council of Ghana! The public needs to be educated on the impact of imports on the national economy. It's amazing labour union leaders haven't recognized they SHOULD educate their members on the need to patronize Ghana-made goods!!

Ghana must say no to EPAs – Christian Council of Ghana

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